A collection of eighty all new poems, Acolytes is distinctly Nikki Giovanni, but different. Not softened, but more inspired by love, celebration, memories and even nostalgia. She aims her intimate and sparing words at family and friends, the deaths of heroes and friends, favorite meals and candy, nature, libraries, and theatre. But in between, the deep and edgy conscience that has defined her for decades shines through when she writes about Rosa Parks, hurricane Katrina, and Emmett Till's disappearance, leaving no doubt that Nikki has not traded one approach for another, but simply made room for both.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The extraordinarily popular Giovanni got that way as a black militant during the 1970s, known for her inspirational, fiery live and recorded performances. This first volume since her 2003 Collected Poems loses the fire but keeps the inspiration: "Poetry says No to destruction and Yes to possibility," Giovanni declares. Her mix of lineated and prose poetry says yes over and over—to the glories of children and grandmothers, to "the men with hopes and dreams and talents," as well as to the memory of the African-American cultural heroes who died in the last few years. Many pages are, in effect, orations: "We will miss June Jordan. For her courage, her insight, her love of us all. We will miss this poet." Some of the strongest and most detailed works are short, not especially lyrical, pieces in prose. One remembers meeting Gwendolyn Brooks; another shows a grandmother's strong support for Virginia Tech Hokies football. Giovanni's most serious verse and prose link her own struggles—as a black woman, as a latter-day icon, as a cancer survivor, as a teacher—to the larger patterns of black American history, of striving toward freedom always: "I choose always as best I can to keep truth and compassion in my life." (Feb.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
A living legacy of the female and African-American experience, Giovanni has published countless books, been honored with numerous awards, and been heralded as a poet of social conscience. Her latest book presents 80 poems that embody the main element that propelled Giovanni's emergence as a powerful voice during the Black Arts Movement: the drive to keep slavery, injustice, and the struggle for civil rights alive in America's consciousness. For this, Giovanni has become an important cultural figure. Yet, from a poetic and literary standpoint, this collection disappoints. Giovanni retraces old ground, and offers more straightforward memoir than imagistic, rhythmically sophisticated poetic song. That said, Giovanni has a dedicated audience, and though this isn't her best work, Giovanni stands as a poet who opens our minds, eyes, and hearts. Janet St. John
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Tribute to Many....,
By
This review is from: Acolytes: Poems (Hardcover)
Acolytes are helpers usually assisting in the administration of rites or rituals and Nikki Giovanni's newly released book of poems of the same name celebrates many of those who have served in the struggle for justice. Acolytes opens with "We Gather: An Invocation for the Underground Railroad" which commemorates those courageous people who sacrificed much to ensure freedom for themselves and others. The book stays on point praising the infamous personalities who lent their extraordinary talents and endless dedication to the cause. It honors a myriad of contributors across all genres of sports, music, politics, and literature such as Jackie Robinson, Nina Simone, Rosa Parks, Dorothy Height, June Jordan, Gwendolyn Brooks, The Isley Brothers and others. She also hails the unsung heroes with heart filled recollections and thoughtful odes to her friends, family, and those who influenced her along the way, such as Mrs. Long, her first librarian.
In classic Nikki style, she blends the old and new by keeping her pulse on current events with reflections on Hurricane Katrina, rap music, the Bush Administration, American pop culture, but keeps us spiritually grounded in the past with reflections on racism in the moving piece, The Death of Innocence, that centers on the lynching of Emmett Till. Just like its author, the book is small in size, but contains an ample dose of thought-provoking, spirit-moving prose sprinkled with a few of her favorite recipes for good measure. Her wit, wisdom, and heart-felt compassion resonates between the lines and will stay with you long after the book is closed. Nikki's fans will not be disappointed. Reviewed by Phyllis APOOO BookClub Nubian Circle Book Club
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Book of Loss and Love,
By Anthony Marray "amarrayw" (Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Acolytes: Poems (Hardcover)
This book was dedicated to those close to Giovanni she had lost. She admitted recently on the "Tavis Smiley Show" (2/26/07) that she has had to adjust her view about who she writes for. Other than her adoring fans, she said she mostly wrote because of her mother. And so with her mother's death in 2006 she has had to adjust her thinking when it comes to the audience or muse that she writes for.
She also admitted in her speeches that this was a "book of loss" but she still continues on to do what she loves. She ended this book with love poems such as "Your pillow" and "I am your allergy" because she said she wanted to give the book an uplifting conclusion. And also to lead into her next book which she said would be a book of love poems. Her prose writing in "Acolytes" is also a joy to read. After reading "The Best Midnight Snack Ever", you'll find yourself eager to accept her recommendations. Nikki is one of my favorite writers, and after meeting her in person I can say she's a joy to be around (especially for an old lady *smile*). I'd recommend this to any lover of poetry.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Product,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Acolytes: Poems (Hardcover)
The book came in brand new condition and it was half of the price I found anywhere else. It was, also, shipped in a timely manner.
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